LOS ANGELES, CA. (Chrysler Financial) - On the campus of University of Southern California in its Bovard Auditorium, the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network convened the Los Angeles Hip-Hop Summit on Financial Empowerment on Saturday,
September 30, 2006. More than 1,000 18-35-year-old participants gathered and listened intently to hip-hop stars, recording industry executives, financial experts and community leaders on the importance of building a strong financial foundation. Chrysler Financial continues to be the title sponsor for the national tour of the Hip-Hop Summit on Financial Empowerment.
The LA Hip-Hop Summit on Financial Empowerment was co-moderated by legendary hip-hop pioneer MC Lyte, hip-hop star Nick Cannon and HSAN President/CEO Dr. Benjamin Chavis. Participating in the Summit were Black Ty (aka Tyrese), Too Short, Layzie Bone of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Melyssa Ford, Dro, YoYo, Chingo Bling, Taraji Henson, Bryan Leach and The Terrero Brothers, Smush Parker of the LA Lakers, Chrysler Financial's Gerrod Parchmon, along with Taj James, Cherub and Raz-B, of B2K.
William F. Jones Jr., Vice President of Chrysler Financial, emphasized, "Chrysler Financial has joined in partnership with Russell Simmons, Dr. Chavis and the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network to provide these important forums focusing on basic financial principles. It is our hope that the financial information in the workbook will help young people understand financial matters, ultimately helping them realize their dreams."
Acclaimed actress Taraji Henson stated, "This 'Get Your Money Right' workbook should be read and studied carefully because this information is vital to helping build financial stability."
Black Ty declared, "Getting your money right really means staying focused, working hard and spending your money properly."
Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) greeted the Summit with words of encouragement. "Your presence here today exemplifies that young people are serious about empowerment, both political and economic empowerment."
Both MC Lyte and Nick Cannon aroused the crowd with their personal testimonies concerning their own journey toward financial empowerment.
"The Los Angeles Hip-Hop Summit proved, once again, that hip-hop is a very vibrant reality on the West Coast," exclaimed Dr. Chavis. "It was wonderful to see so many young people express their views on such a relevant issue as financial literacy."
The media partner for the Los Angeles Hip-Hop Summit on Financial Empowerment was KDAY - 93.5 FM Los Angeles with its DJ Yo Boy Jesse spinning for the pre-Summit crowd. Community partners included the University of Southern California - Black Student Union, California State University - Black Student Union, Los Angeles Public Housing Authority, USC - Asian Pacific American Student Association and NAACP - Los Angeles Chapter.
Additional information on HSAN can be found at https://www.hsan.org .
